Summary
- Consumer law attorneys represent those victimized by unethical businesses
- They offer clients recourse against companies that violate their rights
- They help with many issues like credit damage and defective products
Have you ever been the victim of a credit repair scam, gotten repeat robocalls or dealt with unethical loan servicers? When facing issues like these, a consumer law attorney may be able to assist you.
Consumer protection lawyers work with clients who are facing a wide range of issues related to deceptive, abusive, fraudulent and illegal business tactics. Here’s a closer look at what they do and how one might be able to help in your situation.
What Is a Consumer Lawyer?
There are countless regulations across industries to protect the rights of consumers. However, some unethical businesses disregard these laws. They operate under the belief that consumers either don’t know any better or won’t be able to do anything about it even if they do.
That’s where consumer law attorneys come in. They serve as consumer advocates, helping clients assert their rights against unethical businesses. They also aid clients in recovering damages through individual or class-action lawsuits.
When a consumer law attorney represents a client, they aren’t only assisting that client—they’re protecting the rights of everyone else, too. When unethical businesses see that the consumers they’ve wronged have a way to fight back, the world becomes a little better for everyone.
What Does a Consumer Protection Lawyer Do?
A consumer protection attorney represents consumers dealing with all manner of unethical business practices. These are some examples of common issues they help with:
Debt Collection
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a law at the federal level that restricts the actions debt collection agencies may take. For instance, it places limits on how often they can call consumers and who they can discuss the debt with. It also requires them to verify that a consumer owes a particular debt.
Unfortunately, many debt collectors trample consumer rights in an effort to recover as much money as possible. The FDCPA allows consumers to sue collectors who violate the law, and consumer protection lawyers often represent them in these lawsuits.
Class Actions
Have you ever wondered how to start a class action lawsuit? Many class action and mass tort cases were brought into being by consumer protection lawyers.
If a business has harmed thousands of consumers, it often makes more sense to pursue collective legal action. Companies that manufacture defective products are a great example. If many buyers have been harmed by the same product, consumer protection attorneys may aid them in pursuing legal action as a group.
Mortgage and Landlord-Tenant Issues
If you’ve ever searched “how to sue my landlord for unsafe living conditions,” you may already know that a consumer protection lawyer can assist with landlord-tenant issues. However, they frequently help with many other housing-related problems as well, including the following:
- Unfair mortgage terms
- Foreclosure
- Defective mobile or manufactured homes
- Evictions
Unfortunately, the housing industry has no shortage of businesses ready to take advantage of consumers. A skilled consumer protection lawyer can help you assert your rights.
Loan Servicers
Predatory lending is a very real (and regrettably common) issue. While any type of loan can be predatory, the worst offenders are generally payday lenders. Payday loans have exorbitant interest rates that are unethical and sometimes even illegal.
Credit Reporting and Other Credit Issues
A high credit score can open up countless opportunities. However, if a business reports incorrect information to credit bureaus, it can lead to credit damage and a host of ensuing issues.
Do you have an error on your credit report? Alternatively, perhaps you’ve been the victim of identity theft or have lost valuable opportunities because of incorrect credit information. If you’ve found yourself in any of these situations, it’s worth consulting a consumer lawyer.
Student Loan Issues
Consumer law attorneys can also assist with matters related to student loans. They may be able to help if you’re having problems with a loan servicer. Many clients seek out attorneys because they run into issues with loans they took out when enrolled in for-profit educational institutions.
Telemarketers
Pre-recorded phone calls are irritating, but did you know they might also be a violation of your rights? If you’re struggling with fielding multiple pre-recorded calls per day, a consumer lawyer may be able to get the calls to stop. In some instances (like if the calls violated the law), you could even be eligible to collect compensation as well.
Other Consumer Issues
Many consumer lawyers can help clients with issues beyond those listed above. If you’re having difficulties with your insurance company, credit card issuer or a product warranty, the right attorney might be able to offer assistance.
How Much Does a Consumer Protection Lawyer Cost?
This depends on your legal issue and the lawyer you work with. Some consumer protection attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing up front but pay them a portion of any compensation they recover.
Others may charge a flat fee for certain services. For example, if you need to send a cease and desist letter to a company that calls you repeatedly, a lawyer may have a set price for this service. If you need help with an ongoing problem, the lawyer may charge hourly.
Many attorneys offer free consultations. If you’re considering working with a particular attorney or law office, make sure you fully understand their fee structure before agreeing to anything.
Need a Consumer Law Attorney?
As areas of legal focus go, consumer law is a very broad one. If you’re on the lookout for a consumer protection attorney, you might not know where to begin your search. Fortunately, you can start right here.
At ConsumerShield, we’re committed to consumer protection, whether that means providing free educational resources, connecting you with nearby lawyers or both. Don’t just search for “consumer protection lawyers near me.” Instead, fill out our contact form to get matched with qualified attorneys today.
